There’s a pretty important kitty holiday coming up. March 28th is Respect Your Cat Day! If we could ask Fluffy what she wanted for her special day, she’d probably demand statues, paintings, stocked fishponds, kitty gardens, cat furniture in every room, and, of course, cuddles and catnip on demand. However, you don’t have to break the bank to show your feline overlord proper respect. In fact, it’s very easy! A Cherry Hill, NJ vet offers some tips on respecting kitties in this article.
Clean Litterboxes
Cats are very clean, and they like their bathrooms kept clean as well. We recommend scooping Fluffy’s powder room daily, and changing the litter every week.
Cuddle Etiquette
Our feline friends are very cuddly, but they have a few rules about snuggling. First, always let Fluffy decide when she wants attention, and when it’s time to stop. Never force attention on a cat! If you pick your pet up and she wants to get down, let her go. (Note: kitties reserve the right to change their minds about whether or not they want to be petted at any time, and with no warning.)
Avoid Negative Reinforcement
Cats are great pets, but they aren’t perfect. Sooner or later, Fluffy will do something that irks you. She may knock something off your desk, scratch up your sofa, or leave a hairball as a surprise. Never punish your pet for these mishaps. She’s just following her instincts!
Understanding Fluffy’s Needs
Kitties need entertainment and stimulation to thrive. Make sure Fluffy has some ways to entertain herself in between her 23 daily naps. Get her a good scratching post or board, lots of toys, and a comfy window seat. Your furball will also like having some things to explore, like boxes, paper bags, and newspaper tunnels.
Basic Comforts
Keep your pet’s comfort in mind. For instance, if Fluffy stays home while you go to work, turn a TV or radio on for her. If you’ll be out after dark, leave a light on for her.
Veterinary Care
Veterinary care is just as important for cats as it is for us. Make sure Fluffy sees the vet regularly. In between appointments, watch for anything that could be a sign of sickness. Call us immediately if you notice anything unusual.
Please contact us, your local Cherry Hill, NJ vet clinic, anytime. We are here to help!